Family Trip to Chicago

We were fortunate to be invited to my cousin's wedding in Chicago in October, and we decided to make a vacation out of the trip. After a six hour drive, we reached our hotel in Bensenville. In an effort to save money on a hotel, we chose to stay in the suburbs and take the L into the city every day. This is not something I would recommend or repeat. Each day, we ended up spending at least an hour and half just commuting. Oh well, you live and learn, right?

That first night, Michael and I went into the city for dinner at Frontera Grill, a Rick Bayless restaurant. For an appetizer we shared a queso fundido, which was a dish of melted cheese with chorizo and roasted peppers served with fresh house made corn tortillas. For dinner, I ordered chicken tacos, and Michael had pork loin in green mole with microgreens and toasted seeds. The food was fresh, high-quality and authentic. It was not your typical Mexican restaurant, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. The menus change monthly. Though it had been raining during our commute and meal, by the time we finished eating the rain had stopped, and we were able to walk around downtown and explore in the lovely, crisp autumn air.

The obligatory picture of "The Bean" (officially known as Cloud Gate)

On Friday morning, we met up with my mom, brother, aunt and uncle to travel into the city together. It was my uncle's first time taking a subway-like train. We met my grandma and other uncle at their hotel downtown, and then we headed over to Lou Malnati's for a classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza for lunch. The pizza was okay, but I definitely prefer New York City-style pizza; it's one of the things I miss most about living there.

Uncle Tom's first time on a metro railway system

My mom, brother, Michael and I enjoyed a bus ride out to Lincoln Park Zoo (free zoo!) and wandered around looking at the animals. That was followed by a chilly walk to the Lake Michigan beach and then some much needed warmth and comfort at Starbucks. We had dinner that night at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant that seemed to be favored by cabbies. It was cheap and fast, but I thought the food was just okay.

Beautiful Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park

Lake Michigan

On Saturday, the four of us (plus Austin's girlfriend, Brittany) drove to the Museum of Science and Industry, which was having a special Dr. Seuss exhibit. It was a really cool museum, something I would highly recommend to others.

Standing in front of a scale model version of Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry

Just goofing around

After the museum, we headed back to the hotel to get ready and go to the wedding, which was at the Joffrey Ballet in downtown Chicago. The ceremony and reception were both beautiful and classy. It was my first time attending a Jewish wedding, and I really appreciated some of the different traditions and the Hebrew prayers. I wish I had taken more pictures, but my camera does not do well in low lighting situations. The bride was gorgeous and glowing, and my cousin is one lucky guy to have her. I also enjoyed getting to meet his cousins on the other side as they sat at our dinner table. I felt truly blessed to be with so much family and to witness the beginning of what I hope will be a long and happy union between two amazing people.

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of the beautiful bride

Mom and grandma

With the wedding on Saturday, we were able to stay and enjoy some more of Chicago on Sunday including a daytime walk through Millennium Park and a visit to the Art Institute. We truly enjoyed our time in the city and with family.

"The Bean" in daylight